Indian team couldn't execute plans vs New Zealand in Pune: Morne Morkel
Indian team bowling coach Morne Morkel admitted that the players couldn't execute the plans against New Zealand on Day 2 of the 2nd Test against New Zealand in Pune. The Kiwis lead by 301 on Day 2 stumps.
by India Today Sports Desk · India TodayIn Short
- India on cusp of losing 2nd Test vs New Zealand in Pune
- New Zealand lead by 301 runs on Day 2 stumps
- Indian batting collapsed for 156 runs in 1st innings
The Indian team's bowling coach, Morne Morkel, admitted that the Indian team faltered in all departments, especially the batting on Day 2 of the 2nd Test against New Zealand at the Maharashtra Cricket Association in Pune on October 25, Thursday. Morkel said that the team could not execute the plans well, despite having 'world-class' players in their ranks. Nonetheless, Morkel hoped India would make a strong comeback on Day 3 despite a looming 2nd Test defeat and a series loss after 2012 at home.
"I never like to have a punch up between batters and bowlers but, in Test match cricket you need to score the first innings runs," Morkel told the media during the post-day press conference."If we put our hand up, we haven't been able to do that. There are world-class players in our batting line up. I know that individually, they've got their processes and they know how to go about those things," he added.
NZ in firm control
New Zealand remain firmly in control of the Test, with a 301-run lead and five wickets in hand. The visitors look well on course to seal the series in Pune. It was a dream day for the visitors, marked by a brilliant spell from Mitchell Santner, who picked up career-best figures of 7/53 to bowl India out for just 156, giving his side a hefty first-innings lead of over 100 runs.
Morkel expressed hope for a stronger performance from the Indian batters in the second innings.
"Hopefully, we can iron those mistakes out because it's costing us at the moment - not getting the runs on the board - but I'm pretty sure there's enough experience, enough knowledge amongst them to rectify that," he added.
Can India pull-off a miracle?
"I back the team (to come up) with a strong response in our second innings. I'm excited to see how they bounce back and how they play this situation and the conditions," he said.
He also credited New Zealand for adjusting well to the conditions and putting up a fight against India at their home.
"I must give credit to New Zealand. The way they tackled the conditions. They have been brilliant this series. That's the reason why they are top of this game as well. They are sweeping well, reverse sweeping well. I am not surprised by the way they are playing. For us, it will be about how we do it tomorrow morning. Today was a tough day. We were on the back foot again trying to get New Zealand out. Ash wants to get the team back into the game, same with Bumrah," the bowling coach added.